CSIR CIMAP AROMA | Plant Details

Plant Details

:Common Name

Levisticum officinalis

:Scientific Name

Lovage

:Introduction

Levisticum officinale, is a tall perennial plant, the sole species in the genus Levisticum in the family Apiaceae, subfamily Apioideae, tribe Apieae. Lovage is an erect, herbaceous, perennial plant growing to 1.8–2.5 m (5.9–8.2 ft) tall, with a basal rosette of leaves and stems with further leaves, the flowers being produced in umbels at the top of the stems. The stems and leaves are shiny glabrous green to yellow-green and smell somewhat similar to celery when crushed.

: Details

The leaves can be used in salads, or to make soup or season broths, and the roots can be eaten as a vegetable or grated for use in salads. Its flavor and smell is somewhat similar to celery. The seeds can be used as a spice, similar to fennel seeds.All parts of the plant being strongly aromatic, lovage is cultivated for its seeds, leaves, roots and their essential oils, which are used in the perfumery, food, beverage and tobacco industries . As a medicinal plant, lovage has been used for diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stomachic and stimulant activities.